March 2018

Utah prairie dogs are no stranger to controversy. While many find the presence of these threatened critters to be a nuisance, the Utah prairie dog plays an important role in maintaining the health of our local ecosystems. In fact, Utah prairie dogs are a keystone species because they are a source of food for predators and their burrows allow the soil to better absorb water and nutrients. Many actions are being taken by groups like The Nature Conservancy to protect prairie dog populations. By implementing multiple conservation strategies, we are able to make a greater impact for recovery.

February 2018

Late last year, President Trump announced that he would be decreasing the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, beginning what is sure to be a long and precedent-setting legal battle. But win or lose, the president's actions may have other ramifications. "The Antiquities Act will no longer be a reliable conservation tool, and every national monument that was established through the act can no longer be considered permanently protected,” says Mark R. Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy.

January 2018

Somewhere near San Rafael Swell, a light veil of scattered snow kisses the desert earth as the sun begins to set in the horizon. This year, let nature be your meditative medicine—and be sure to get an extra dose, especially during these challenging times.

December 2017

The stakes for nature are incredibly high and the challenges we face show no signs of letting up. But no matter what, we remain unwavering in our commitment to protect our planet. Stay the course with us.

November 2017

Although spring and summer are the most popular seasons for birdwatching, winter also provides its own unique birding experience — especially at the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab, Utah. More than 200 species of birds, amphibians, and mammals can be found at the preserve throughout the year, and winter is no exception. A variety of geese, ducks, crows and raptors (like this Cooper’s Hawk) hang around the preserve during the colder months. So, grab a coat and some binoculars and enjoy observing the biodiversity of a desert oasis during this tourist hot-spot’s off-season.

August 2017

According to Bill Frist—former Senate Majority Leader and current member of The Nature Conservancy's global board—supporting our diverse public lands and investments in our natural resources through effective conservation and science programs is key to putting us and our nation on a stronger path. But first, Congress must stand up for nature so nature can sustain and protect us. Read Bill Frist’s full op-ed in USA Today to learn more about this critical message.

June 2017

Last month, more than 1,000 people participated in the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival. At the Conservancy’s booth, kids and families were invited to color swallows, visit the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve to see them in person, and try out our brand new audio tour. One of our Utah staff also lead a “Behind-the-Gates” tour through the Legacy Nature Preserve, where twelve eager birders identified 59 species by sight and sound! These birders encountered a variety of familiar bird species, including a family of bald eagles, a singing common yellowthroat, and dancing sandhill cranes. They were even graced by the sight of white-faced ibis flying overhead!

MAY 2017

Last month, award-winning local photographer Dave Koch hosted a weeklong takeover of our Instagram. During his takeover, he shared a selection of photos capturing his favorite places in Utah, many of which the Conservancy is working to restore and preserve. In this featured photo of Arches National Park, he encourages us to “look beyond the obvious.” While many of us visit Arches for the spectacular rock formations, he encourages us to look deeper. “Look around and behind the arches,” he writes, “There is much more to see and learn from." Visit our Instagram page to see more photos from Dave’s takeover.

APRIL 2017

Washington County is home to an exquisite plant that exists nowhere else on Earth—the dwarf bear poppy. Unfortunately, this unique piece of Utah’s natural heritage is facing a number of challenges. To protect remaining populations, the Conservancy is working with communities, government agencies and other local organizations, particularly at our White Dome Nature Preserve, which is now open to the public. Here’s what you need to know before you start planning your visit.

MARCH 2017

Last month, Darlene Smith hosted a weeklong takeover of our Instagram. To raise awareness of the importance of nature in all our lives, she shared a selection of photos capturing her favorite places and wildlife in Utah, many of which the Conservancy in Utah is working to protect and preserve. This photo of the north arm of the Great Salt Lake was a fan favorite. Visit our Instagram page to see more photos from Darlene’s takeover.

FEBRUARY 2017

Last month, Utah kicked off the year with a wet winter. Snowpack levels reached approximately 200% throughout most of Northern Utah, which is already trickling down into our beloved lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. This runoff is great news for people and nature, especially in places like the Great Salt Lake and Bear River that experienced declining water levels in recent years.

JANUARY 2017

You don’t have to go far for a taste of the real Westworld. Not far from where the hit HBO show was filmed on site, you can find incredible biodiversity near the Conservancy’s working Dugout Ranch. By acquiring the Dugout Ranch near Canyonlands National Park, The Nature Conservancy saved one of the West’s most iconic landscapes, unique among other Utah ranches. Today, the ranch, spanning more than 305,000 acres of private and public land, is the foundation for the ground-breaking Canyonlands Research Center.

The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 53-0242652) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.